5 November

On the eve of the eighth anniversary of the 1999 referendum, Senator Natasha Stott Despoja (SA) releases the Australian Democrats’ policy on the Republic for the 2007 election. The Democrats propose that the first stage vote on the Republic be held at the same time as the referendum on constitutional recognition of our Indigenous peoples, supported by both the current Government and Opposition and timed for around mid 2009. There would be a non-binding vote based on this question: “Do you want Australia to become a Republic?” The Democrats’ announcement is the first specific policy to advance the national vote on the Republic. The Democrats also say that the vote would be followed by public consultation about different models for Head of State before a referendum on the Republic is held. WfaAR supports the Democrats’ proposal – it’s good to see a clear plan to move the Republic forward beyond statements of general support.Other major parties which also support Australia becoming a Republic are the Australian Labor Party and the Greens (see News Item of 25 July 2007 below).